“I’ve learned to be more persistent when problems seem hard at first, and I’ve started to really enjoy the process of thinking through tough questions rather than just aiming for a quick answer,” writes Lilian Liu (Year 8), reflecting on her experience in the University of Sydney’s Mathematical Problem Solving (MaPS) correspondence course. “The problems we get are definitely challenging, but that’s part of what makes the program so engaging. Some questions take a lot of time and multiple attempts, and it’s frustrating sometimes. But when it finally clicks, it makes all those attempts feel worth it, and the answer feels like I’ve earned it through hard work rather than just copying off a formula.”

Lilian is one of eight PLC Sydney students currently enrolled in this invitation-only course, offered in partnership with the Australian Maths Trust. Entry is based primarily on performance in the Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) and the Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO). The program provides course notes and fortnightly problem sets that stretch well beyond typical classroom content, even beyond PLC Sydney’s own enrichment programs. Students are supported by university academics and mentors, including two-time International Mathematics Olympian Cloris Xu.

The course encourages independence, deep thinking, and persistence. Lilian continues:  “I’m really motivated to engage with the problems each fortnight, even when the questions get tough. There’s something satisfying about tackling problems that don’t have obvious solutions, and the process, though hard, is very enjoyable. It’s made me more curious and willing to explore complex ideas in maths.”
Our eight students are spread across the four divisions of the course. In the Junior Division, Lilian is joined by Amy Dou and Olivia Zhang (both Year 8). The trio work together regularly to understand the material, often attending university lectures which, while challenging now, give them an exciting glimpse of mathematics beyond school.

In the Senior Division, Chloe He and Claire Liu (Year 11) are current participants, while Sophie Pan (Year 11) and Noa Blum (Year 12) have completed the division and now participate in a more independent capacity, accessing course materials and attending lectures as advanced learners.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Chew (Year 12) has been selected for the inaugural Research stream. This advanced track introduces a small group of students to university-level mathematics through Concrete Mathematics, a foundational text for computer science. Stephanie, a long-time MaPS participant, has twice presented group research projects to her peers and continues to approach the course with enthusiasm and depth.

Since its launch in 2020, the MaPS program has aimed “to help talented students develop their problem-solving skills, prepare them for maths competitions and create opportunities for them to meet like-minded peers.” PLC Sydney students have participated every year since its inception, and the program continues to offer a rare opportunity for mathematical exploration and growth.

As Amy Dou reflects: “MaPS has been a wonderful opportunity for mathematical growth. It has pushed me to my mathematical limitations but taught me the skills to get past them. Through the program, I have come to appreciate the elegance of a unique solution, and the struggle, patience and skill required to get there.”